An online associate degree in Human Resources (HR) is a two-year undergraduate program that teaches students the fundamentals of managing people within an organization. It’s usually made up of about 60 to 65 credit hours, which include general education courses like English, communication, and mathematics, along with HR-specific subjects.
Students learn about recruitment and selection, employee training, compensation and benefits, labor relations, business law, and workplace communication. Many programs also cover topics such as performance management, conflict resolution, and workplace diversity.
Because it’s fully online, students can complete their coursework from anywhere and often study at their own pace. Classes are delivered through digital platforms that allow access to video lectures, discussion boards, and assignments 24/7.
You must be wise about where you enroll. Education isn’t as affordable as it used to be, so choosing a program that offers both quality learning and budget-friendly tuition is key. In this post, we’ve carefully reviewed and verified several schools to bring you a list of the most affordable yet reputable online colleges where you can earn your associate degree in Human Resources.
10 Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Human Resources
1. Rowan College of South Jersey – $4,620
Rowan College of South Jersey offers an Associate of Science in Human Resource Management that can be completed fully online. Classes are taught in short five- or seven-week sessions, so students can focus on fewer courses at once.
The program covers the basics of HR, including recruitment, employee training, and workplace communication. It’s a great starting point for people looking to build a career in HR or transfer to a bachelor’s degree. RCSJ also partners with Wilmington University for easy credit transfer.
2. Minnesota State Community & Technical College – $5,968
Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) runs an affordable online Human Resources Associate program designed for flexibility and real-world application. The 60-credit course teaches topics like job analysis, HR law, and employee development.
Students can choose between an Associate of Science (AS) that easily transfers to a university or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) meant for direct employment. Tuition is around $206 per credit, and the school has a strong reputation for quality online learning and student support.
3. Dakota College at Bottineau – $6,300
Dakota College offers an online Associate program in Human Resource Management designed for students who want to start a career in HR or business administration. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring recognized and transferable qualifications.
Students learn about employment laws, staff development, and organizational behavior. Tuition costs about $248 per credit for online learners, making it one of the cheaper options available. The program provides a solid foundation for entry-level HR positions or further studies toward a bachelor’s degree.
4. Wake Technical Community College – $6,432
Wake Technical Community College runs a fully online Associate in Human Resources Management program that focuses on the daily operations of managing people in an organization. Courses include recruiting, compensation, training, and labor relations.
The school is regionally accredited and offers excellent online student support. Learners can study part-time or full-time, which makes it ideal for working adults. Upon graduation, students can move directly into HR assistant roles or transfer to a four-year program to continue their education in business or HR management.
5. Western Iowa Tech Community College – $6,630
At Western Iowa Tech, students can complete an Associate of Applied Science in Human Resources Management entirely online. The program teaches real-world HR skills like employee benefits, workplace ethics, performance management, and payroll systems.
It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, meaning your qualification is widely recognized. The coursework is practical and career-focused, helping graduates qualify for HR or administrative roles. Tuition is affordable, and the college offers flexible scheduling, allowing learners to balance their studies with work or family life.
6. Lakeshore Technical College – $6,800
Lakeshore Technical College provides an online Associate degree in Human Resource Administration, designed for people who want to begin or advance in HR careers. The program includes topics like employment law, conflict resolution, payroll, and business communication.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and emphasizes hands-on, career-ready learning. With flexible class schedules and supportive instructors, students can study at their own pace. Graduates often work as HR assistants, payroll specialists, or office coordinators, and many continue into bachelor’s programs in business or management.
7. Penn State World Campus – $7,662
Penn State’s Associate of Science in Labor and Human Resources is a respected, fully online degree from one of America’s top universities. The program explores workplace issues, recruitment, labor relations, and employee development.
Students must complete 60 credits, and the tuition rate ranges from $638 to $685 per credit. Penn State is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring top-quality education.
8. Montana State University Billings – $7,800
Montana State University Billings offers an online Associate in Human Resources that combines theory with practical experience. The curriculum covers areas like compensation systems, personnel management, and employment law.
The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, giving students confidence in the quality of their degree. Tuition is around $7,800 per year, and the program is open to students from anywhere.
9. Bryant & Stratton College – $8,200
Bryant & Stratton College offers a flexible Associate of Applied Science in Human Resources Specialist, available fully online. The program prepares students to handle HR responsibilities such as recruitment, training, compensation, and employee relations.
It’s accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, making the degree valid nationwide. Courses are structured to fit working adults, with options for part-time study. Graduates can pursue entry-level HR or office management roles, and many continue to bachelor’s programs in business or human resource management.
10. Davenport University – $9,000
Davenport University provides an Associate in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources, taught entirely online. The program blends HR topics like workforce planning, employee engagement, and leadership with core business courses.
It’s accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and tuition averages about $9,000 per year. Students benefit from interactive online classes and career guidance services.
The degree can also serve as a pathway into Davenport’s bachelor’s program in human resource management, helping learners progress smoothly from foundation to professional level.
Why Choose an Online Associate Degree in Human Resources Instead of a Bachelor’s?
While a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business Administration might sound more prestigious, many students start with an associate degree, and for good reason.
First, the cost is significantly lower. Most online associate degrees in HR cost between $4,000 and $9,000 per year, while bachelor’s programs can easily exceed $20,000 annually. This makes the associate option perfect for students who want to save money or test the waters before committing to a four-year degree.
Second, it’s faster to complete. An associate program usually takes two years or less, meaning you can start working sooner. Many graduates land roles like HR assistant, payroll clerk, or recruiter, gaining practical experience while others are still in school.
Another advantage is flexibility. Because the programs are fully online, you can study from anywhere and at your own pace — ideal for working professionals or parents who can’t attend traditional classes.
Lastly, an associate’s degree doesn’t limit your future. Most schools design these programs so you can transfer your credits directly into a bachelor’s program later. That means you can build your career and education step by step.
What Can You Do with an Online Associate Degree in Human Resources?
Earning an online associate degree in Human Resources opens you to a lot of people-focused jobs. Even though it’s an entry-level qualification, it gives you the skills employers need in almost every type of organization, such as schools, hospitals, tech companies, government agencies, and more.
With this degree, you can work as an HR assistant, helping to recruit new employees, organize training programs, and maintain staff records. You could also become a recruiting coordinator, matching people’s talents to the right job openings, or a payroll or benefits clerk, managing employee pay and benefits packages.
Some graduates go into training and development, helping workers build new skills, while others take on office management or administrative roles that require strong communication and organization.
The degree also sets you up for career growth. Once you gain experience, you can move into higher positions like HR specialist, compensation analyst, or even HR manager, especially if you later continue to a bachelor’s degree.
Conclusion
Starting with an online associate degree in Human Resources is a smart and flexible way to enter the business world. It allows you to learn the basics of managing people, communication, and workplace operations.
If you’ve always enjoyed helping people, organizing teams, or solving workplace problems, this might just be the perfect first step toward a rewarding career in human resources.